Becoming Christlike
Is a process through which believers are conformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ’s likeness, particularly the areas of obedience and trust.
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Believers must imitate Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
- Don’t imitate the preacher imitate the Lord.
- Paul is saying imitate me as I imitate Christ
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
- Jesus was acquainted with suffering like we are
- He even suffered death as 100 percent human and 100 percent God
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
- We talked about sanctification: Being set apart to be used by God
- Sanctification comes through the work of the Holy Spirit
- As we get closer to the Lord
Also see: Jn 13:15; Ro 8:29; Eph 4:11–13; Php 3:8–11; Php 3:20–21; 1 Jn 2:6
The Holy Spirit transforms believers into Christlike people.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit.
Christlikeness can be defined as the total commitment to Jesus Christ.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Also see: Mt 9:9; Luke 9:57-62; Jn 1:43; Jn 10:27; Jn 12:26; Jn 15:10;
Christlikeness is shown in several ways.
In Noble sacrifice
Mark 8:34–35 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall
Also see: Mt 10:38; Lk 14:26–27; Jn 12:26; Jn 21:19; Php 3:10; 1 Pe 4:1 1 Pe 2:21–23
Christlikeness is shown in humility and service
Matthew 20:26–28 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Also see: Mt 11:29; Mk 9:35; Lk 22:24–26; Jn 13:14–15; Php 2:4–5
Christlikeness is shown by having love for other believers
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Also see: 1 Jn 3:16, Jn 13:34; Jn 15:17; Eph 5:2; Eph 5:25
Christlikeness is shown by a readiness to forgive others
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing (be merciful towards) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Also see: Mt 6:12
Christlikeness is shown by sharing Jesus Christ’s mission to the world
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Also see: Jn 20:21
Christlikeness is shown by following godly examples that imitate Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Also see: Eph 5:1; 1 Th 1:5–6; 1 Th 2:14; Heb 6:12; Heb 13:7–8;
Christlikeness is part of God’s re-creation
Eph 4:24: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Also see: Ge 1:26–27; 2 Co 4:4;; Col 3:10
It is the purpose for which believers are saved
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Also see: Ro 8:28–29, 2 Pe 1:4
Becoming Christlike continues in the experience of believers
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Becoming Christ-like will be complete when believers finally share Jesus Christ’s glory
1 John 3:2–Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Also see: Ps 17:15; Jn 17:24; 1 Co 15:49–53; Ga 4:19; Php 3:20–21; Col 3:4; 1 Jn 4:17
WE ARE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST
WHAT IS BEING A DISCIPLE
Being a disciple of Jesus is: following, serving, and obeying Jesus Christ. The New Testament emphasizes the benefits, delights, and sacrifice of this calling.
Discipleship involves learning
Learning from God Jn 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Also see: Isa 54:13; Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; Eph 5:1-2; 1Pe 1:15-16
BEING A DISCIPLE INVOLVES LEARNING FROM JESUS CHRIST
Mt 11:29: 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Also see: Jn 13:15; Eph 4:20-21; Php 2:5; 1Pe 2:21; 1Jn 2:6
BEING A DISCIPLE INVOLVES LEARNING FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jn 14:26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Also see: Lk 12:12; Jn 16:13; 1Co 2:13; Eph 1:17; 3:16-19; 1Pe 1:12
BEING A DISCIPLE INVOLVES LEARNING FROM OTHER PEOPLE
Php 4:9: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Also see: Dt 4:10; 5:1; 31:12; 1Co 4:6,16; 11:1; Php 3:17; 2Th 3:7,9; 1Ti 2:11; 5:4; 2Ti 3:14
BEING A DISCIPLE INVOLVES LEARNING TO DO WHAT IS GOOD
Tit 3:14: And let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Also see: Ps 34:14; 37:27; Isa 1:17; 26:9;
THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP IS TO BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Also see: Matt 10:25, and Lk 6:40
Father in heaven,
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all of my sins. Come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.